Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid is making a return to Rajasthan Royals (RR) as head coach ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024.
The franchise made the announcement on Friday, stating that Dravid has signed a multi-year contract with the team. He previously spent five seasons with the Royals from 2011 to 2015, both as a player and mentor, and will now work alongside Kumar Sangakkara, the team’s Director of Cricket, to shape the franchise’s overall strategy.
Dravid’s return to RR comes after recently concluding a successful tenure with Team India, where he led them to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His extensive coaching experience includes stints with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the Indian Men’s U19 team, and the Indian Men’s Senior team, making him one of the most respected figures in Indian cricket.
Jake Lush McCrum, CEO of Royals Sports Group, expressed excitement about Dravid’s return, highlighting his strong connection to the franchise and his reputation for nurturing both young and experienced talent. Dravid himself expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining the Royals, calling it the ideal next challenge after his recent World Cup success.
Dravid’s return is seen as a boost to RR’s ambitions, with Manoj Badale, lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, and Kumar Sangakkara both welcoming his leadership and expertise. The team is now focused on preparing for the upcoming IPL auction and retention period, with Dravid already getting involved in key decisions.
